OCT Teacher and Para of the Year: Congratulations to Ashley Duncan, Teacher of the Year 2023-2024 and Jessica Fournerat, Para of the Year 2023-2024

Solar Eclipse Plans, April 8th: We are planning to observe the upcoming solar eclipse next month as a campus.  We will be providing eyewear for all students and staff at OCT. Parents are welcome to come and observe with us but we will not be able to provide eyewear for you. PTA will be purchasing a limited amount of eyewear that will be available on a first come first serve basis. More information will be communicated in the coming weeks but we will treat this similar to what we did with helicopter santa. We ask that you sign up for a FAST Pass if you plan on coming and you will check in at a table upon entering the concrete slab/ K-2 Playground area and collect your badge there.

Beginning March 18th, parents will also receive Skyward messages to notify them about opting their student OUT of viewing the eclipse.  Parents will have the option to opt their student out via Skyward or by completing the paper opt out form which can be requested from the campus. The Skyward Opt Out portal will close on April 1st. 

As we begin getting closer to April 8th, please review these tips and safety guidelines for viewing an eclipse with your tigers. Thank you!

OCT Annual Dad's Club Golf Tournament, April 5th: Please see this flyer for more information on this event and how to sign up. It is a 4 person scramble format. So get your team together and save the date.

Congratulations to Dr. Amanda Hopkins: A huge congratulations to our amazing School Psychologist at OCT, who successfully defended her Dissertation on Friday! She is officially Dr. Hopkins! 

Music In Our Schools Month: March is Music in our Schools Month! Thank you to Mrs. Vencill for teaching us about music! This gives month gives Mrs. Vencill the opportunity to bring the OCT music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.

REPEATED UPDATES:

Bond Community Presentations Scheduled:  GCISD will host community presentations to inform the public about GCISD’s bond that will be on the May 4 ballot. These informational sessions are open to anyone who lives or works in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and will be held at:

• 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Colleyville Middle School (cafeteria)

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Cross Timbers Middle School (library)

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Heritage Middle School (cafeteria)

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, Grapevine Middle School (cafeteria)

Elementary Growth and Development :  Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents,

On the Thursday and Friday prior to Spring Break during Specials, all elementary campuses will be viewing growth and development videos.

On Thursday March 7, 2024, the fourth grade girls will watch  “Just Around the Corner.”

The content of the film introduces puberty and the physical changes that occur.  This film is presented to all fourth grade girls on each campus as part of the district-approved health curriculum.  We have many more girls with early onset of menses making the need for an earlier introduction necessary.  The girls will view the film as a group and the campus nurse will lead a discussion afterwards.  

On Thursday March 7, 2024,  the fifth grade girls will see their video entitled “Growing Up for Girls.”

On Friday March 8, 2024,  the fifth grade boys will see their video entitled “Growing Up for Boys.” 

These straight-forward videos present basic information about male and female reproductive anatomy and functioning and the physical and psychological changes that are a normal part of growing up. "Growing Up For Girls" takes a realistic look at the responsibilities of adulthood and promotes dialogue with trusted adults, promoting self-confidence as girls face the challenges of change and growth. "Growing Up For Boys" provides advice on health, hygiene and good grooming.  It points to sources of reliable information and fosters the self-esteem that comes with accepting new responsibilities. This program is presented to all 5th graders on each campus as part of the district approved health curriculum. 

Math Telescoping:  Testing opportunities for telescoping in Math for the 2024-2025 school year are available in the summer for GCISD students who are completing Grades K-7.  The Parent Information Packet will be available on the District website under the Parents tab by selecting the link for Acceleration Exams, Grades K-7.  The packet will contain the registration form. Payment is made online following the submission of the form.  Parents will also be able to view the TEKS on the TEA website and download Study Guides for the exams purchased from the University of Texas at Austin, UT High School.  Registration for the June exam administration is March 18 - April 1, 2024.

Spring Attendance Reminders:  Attendance matters! Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s learning and educational experiences. Parents and students are encouraged to avoid unnecessary absences. Two important state laws govern attendance. In efforts to promote student attendance and learning, please note the following reminders and updates to GCISD attendance requirements.

Laws Governing School Attendance:

Compulsory Attendance (AKA Truancy)

Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten

Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are subject to the compulsory attendance requirements as long as they remain enrolled at a campus.

Ages 6–18 - State law requires that a student who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached their 19th birthday, shall attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended-year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt. Students/families who do not meet compulsory attendance will be referred to the GCISD Attendance Review Board and/or referred to Tarrant County Court for truancy. If a student fails to attend school without excuse on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period but does not fail to attend school for the time described below, the district shall initiate truancy prevention measures on the student.

Attendance for Credit or Final Grade (AKA 90% Rule)- To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student in kindergarten–grade 12 must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. With the exception of absences due to serious or life-threatening illness or related treatment, all absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. Students who are in danger of losing credit or promotion will be contacted by the campuses with plans for opportunities to regain lost instructional time.

Official Attendance-Taking Time- Official attendance is taken every day at 10:00 a.m. Attendance is taken at 8:55 a.m. at Collegiate Academy and 12 p.m. for Bridges.

Documentation after an Absence - Up to 8 days per year (4 per semester) may be excused by a parent note for missed attendance beyond medical, approved excused, and statutorily exemptions. Vacations taken during the school year will be coded as unexcused absences. All absences whether excused or unexcused count toward the 90% rule. 

A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student’s arrival or return to school. The student must submit a note signed by the parent. The campus may accept a phone call from the parent but reserves the right to require a written note. A note signed by the student will not be accepted unless the student is age 18 or older or is an emancipated minor under state law. The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

Do I Need to Submit a Transfer Request?:   The general and STEM student transfer application window for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 8 am. Online applications will be accepted through Friday, March 22, 2024, at 4 pm. 

Transfer Window Dates

• Window 2: March 4-March 22: STEM/General Transfers

• Window 3: June 3- June 14: STEM/General Transfers

Students who are already approved on a transfer and are not moving to the next transition level do NOT need to submit a transfer request. For more information and to complete an online application on or after Monday, February 5, click here.

IMPORTANT: Please know that incomplete applications (e.g. missing residency documents) will NOT be processed during this round of student transfers. It is very important that families have all the needed documents when submitting transfer applications.

Flyer

OCT PTA- Do not forget to scroll all the way to the bottom of this Tiger Time News and read the OCT PTA section! Information about upcoming events will be there as well as fundraising opportunities and more!

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update-March 2024

I will be out on maternity leave starting mid-March and plan on coming back towards the end of May to wrap things up in the art room. Students will continue to create and express themselves through art with the guidance of some amazing subs! Be on the lookout for your students' Art Portfolio in the month of May. 

Kindergarten will be finishing up their painted paper weaving. Students learned about the process of making a loom and weaving with the pattern of under/over. Students will then learn about artist Heather Galler to create a patterned hot chocolate mug.

1st grade will be finishing up their Henri Matisse inspired Goldfish Still Life with geometric/organic cut outs. Students will then learn about artist Heather Galler to create a patterned hot chocolate mug.

2nd grade will be finishing up their George Rodrigue Blue Dog paintings by adding details. Students will then learn about artist Romero Britto to create a patterned art piece. 

3rd grade will be finishing up their Roy Lichtenstein Onomatopoeia Pop Art piece. Students will then learn about artist Romero Britto to create a patterned art piece. 

4th grade will be finishing up their abstract watercolor piece inspired by  Wassily  Kandinsky. Students will then be creating and designing their own shoes. Students will review patterns, designs, color theory and different lines.

5th grade will be creating and designing their own shoes. Students will review patterns, designs, color theory and different lines.

O. C. Taylor Yearbooks on Sale!

You can order a yearbook and create an Ad/ dedication page online at yearbookordercenter.com. The order number for O. C. Taylor is 17833.

Last day to purchase and create an Ad/ dedication page is March 8th.

Last day to pre-order a Yearbook is April 13th.

Keep on creating,

Mrs. Morgan

cristie.morgan@gcisd.net

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update-March 2024

Music - March Update

March is Music In Our Schools month! During the month of March we will continue creating, performing, analyzing,  listening to and enjoying music and will focus on the connections music has to other core subjects including…

           Math

LangUage

      HiStory

 PhysIcal Education

        SCience

I challenge ALL grade level students to create something musical to share with their fellow OCT Tigers. Compose and perform a song.  Create a musical instrument and demonstrate how to play your instrument.  Research a famous composer and share their story. How does music impact YOUR life?

Parents, please mark your calendars for these exciting, upcoming events.  Students are expected to attend the daytime AND evening performance of their grade level program.

1st Grade Music In Our Schools Month Celebration: Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m.

2nd Grade Festival of Friends Multicultural Program: Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

5th Grade Rocks!: Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.

5th Grade Parents:  CMS Band Information        CTMS Band Information

Happy Music In Our Schools Month, Tigers!

Mrs. Vencill

bethany.vencill@gcisd.net

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update-March 2024

PE - March Update

I cannot believe it is already March!  We will be introducing a new unit this month called 9 square in the air.  We are really looking forward to learning and playing this new activity.  We will continue to work on overall fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Please check lost and found for jackets and sweatshirts, as many are being left in the gym with the up and down temperatures.

See you in the gym!

Coach Mester

jason.mester@gcisd.net

What are we learning in GT Lead:

First Grade - Game Maker

Second Grade - Brain Research

Third Grade - Building a Business

Fourth Grade - Enigmas

Fifth Grade - Independent Research

Testing Results:          

• GT LEAD Results were sent out on Friday, March 1st in an email.  You can view your child's results in Skyward.

• Aspire Results available in April

Articles to help:

• Asynchronous Development

• Imposter Syndrome

• Perfectionism

• Heightened Emotional Sensitivity

• Introversion

Video -Meeting the Affective Needs of  Gifted Children 

• Please feel free to contact me at any time via email at Donna.Waters@gcisd.net

• X: @OCTWaters

I hope you had a wonderful weekend (hopefully filled with lots of great books and stories 📖)! 

This week my kinder - 2nd grade friends will get a leprechaun story and lots of makerspace time. There might even be some sneaky leprechauns hiding in the Learning Commons for them to find! 🍀

My 3rd and 4th  grade tigers will get another lesson from Neptune Navigates and a mini lesson on the importance of their Digital Footprint.

5th graders will get Book Trailers to get excited about different books! Anyone who would like to make their own Book Trailer through their Chromebook apps (Adobe Express, Canva, Flipgrid or Video) can submit their work to me to be included in the Morning Show!

The first full week of March is Read Across America Week! OC Taylor will celebrate with book read alouds on the morning announcements and chance to dress up each day to celebrate each book! See the flyer to get a head start on our book theme days. Monday is WEAR YOUR FAVORITE COLOR!

SPRING BOOK FAIR IS HERE! The online Bookfair is OPEN! The in person Book Fair will be Friday March 22nd (Family Night 5-7pm) and March 25-28th 8am-2:30pm.

Your child's device (ipads/chromebooks) have excellent reading resources on them! You can view a selection of what your child has available to them here.

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the library, you can use this sign up form. I'm grateful for all my volunteers!

If you have any questions about our library, want to volunteer or donate books and supplies (Check out the Learning Commons Amazon Wishlist), please reach out to me - I'd love to hear from you!

Johanna Quinn, Librarian

Email:  johanna.quinn@gcisd.net

X (Twitter): @OCTQuinn

Instagram: @octquinn